Close India Maldives defence ties vital for peace: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that close ties between India and Maldives in the field of defence and security are vital for peace and that the threat of trans-national crime, terrorism and drug trafficking is serious in the Indian Ocean.

“The threat of trans-national crime, terrorism and drug trafficking is serious in the Indian Ocean region. That is why coordination between India and the Maldives in the field of defence and security is vital for the peace and stability of the entire region,” he said after bilateral talks with Maldivian President.

Recognising that the security of the two countries are inter-linked, India and Maldives on Tuesday assured each other to be mindful of each others’ concerns on the security and stability of the Indian Ocean Region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih held a meeting in Hyderabad House and agreed to “not allow their respective territories to be used for any activity inimical to the other.”

The two leaders welcomed the exchange of MoUs on strengthening cooperation in the field of disaster management, and on cyber security. The leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and called for enhanced coordination between the security agencies of the two countries to thwart radicalisation, violent extremism, terrorism and narco-trafficking, the joint statement issued after the meeting said.

While acknowledging progress since the First Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism held in April 2021, the two leaders directed the officials to further strengthen cooperation in various areas, including cyber- security.

The India-Maldives defence and security partnership is time-tested and is the leading example of regional cooperation in the areas of transnational crimes and disaster relief, the joint statement isM said.

This partnership is a force for stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

The two leaders agreed on energizing cooperation in maritime safety and security, maritime domain awareness, and, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief through the implementation of ongoing projects and capacity building initiatives, the joint statement added.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthen cooperation in line with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the speedy progress made in the pre-construction phase of the Coast Guard Harbour at SIFAVARU.

This project would assist the government of Maldives in enhancing the capability of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in exercising jurisdiction and undertaking maritime surveillance of its EEZ and atolls. Both leaders directed the officials to ensure timely completion of this project.

Prime Minister Modi announced supply of the second Landing Assault Craft (LCA) and a replacement ship for earlier provided CGS Huravee from Government of India for Maldives National Defence Force to Government of Maldives.

Prime Minister Modi also announced gifting of 24 utility vehicles from India to Maldives National Defence Force.

“We have committed to provide defence platforms. We have been doing it in the past, we have committed to provide more and replace the ageing one with the newer one. Utility vehicles will also be provided to Maldivian defence force. The leaders had discussion on regional and international issues,” said Manu Mahawar, High Commissioner of India to Maldives briefing media.

The joint statement said that President Solih thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s continuing support for modernisation of MNDF infrastructure and equipment, through grant assistance and the USD 50 mn Line of Credit facility for defense projects.

President Solih also thanked Prime Minister Modi for the assistance in establishing the National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) at Addu City which was inaugurated in March 2022.

The two leaders welcomed the exchange of Buyers Credit Agreement for design and construction of 61 police infrastructures across Maldives that will contribute to improved access to policing and to ensure the safety and security of the communities in the islands.

Both leaders also welcomed the progress achieved in these areas within the framework of regional and multilateral initiatives.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Solih for the successful hosting of 5th Meeting of Colombo Security Conclave in Male’ in March 2022 which witnessed membership expansion as well as addition of a new pillar – Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief – at Maldives’ initiative, the joint statement said.

The two leaders recalled the success of the 6th Deputy National Security Advisor’s Meeting of the Member States of Colombo Security Conclave, held in Kochi last month, and expressed confidence that the 7th Deputy National Security Advisor’s Meeting to be hosted by the Maldives will lead to constructive outcomes. (UNI)

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